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10:03
Physiologic Patient Derived 3D Spheroids for Anti-neoplastic Drug Screening to Target Cancer Stem Cells
Published on: July 5, 2019
National Cancer Institute-Supported Obesity and Cancer Research, 2015-2022
Laura A Dwyer1, Tanya Agurs-Collins2, Caitlin P Bailey2
1Cape Fox Facilities Services, Chantilly, Virginia.
JAMA Network Open
|August 12, 2026
Summary
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has consistently funded obesity and cancer research, with mechanistic and behavioral studies being most common. Future research should explore obesity
Area of Science:
- Obesity and Cancer Research
- Cancer Incidence and Treatment
- Survivorship and Recurrence
Background:
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes the significant association between obesity and cancer.
- Obesity impacts cancer incidence, treatment, survivorship, recurrence, and survival.
- Understanding research trends in obesity and cancer is crucial given the rising prevalence of obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe trends in obesity and cancer research funded by the NCI from FY 2015 to FY 2022.
- To identify scientific gaps and opportunities in obesity and cancer research.
- To guide future research priorities in the context of evolving therapeutic landscapes, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Main Methods:
- Newly funded NCI grants in obesity were identified using the NIH Reporter database for FYs 2015-2022.
- Two independent coders categorized grants by scientific focus and summarized funding trends.
- Analysis focused on the period preceding the widespread adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Main Results:
- A total of 348 new obesity grants were funded by the NCI between FY 2015 and FY 2022.
- The number of new awards ranged from 38 to 59 annually, with an uptick in FY 2022.
- Mechanistic (49.4%) and behavioral (37.9%) research were the most common focus areas. Breast and colorectal cancers were most studied.
Conclusions:
- The NCI has consistently supported obesity and cancer research, building a strong evidence base.
- Sustained, multidisciplinary research is essential to understand the complex intersection of obesity and cancer.
- Opportunities exist in studying obesity's impact on cancer treatment, survivorship, disparities, and across the lifespan. Emerging research areas include the effects of pharmacologically induced weight loss with GLP-1 medications.
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